It’s that time of the year again, scarf season. Who knew wearing scarves had such early beginnings? As early as 1350 B.C. Egyptian Queen Neferti wore a finely woven scarf topped by a conical headdress. In Egyptian culture, scarves were viewed as a social status symbol. Queen Neferti was one of the first known scarf wearers.
In 60 A.D., it was Emperor Nero who rarely appeared in public without a sudarium (linen kerchief) around his neck. Another historical scarf note, the French wore scarves and called them “cravats” from the Croatian word krayata. It became popular to demonstrate political support by the color of one’s scarf, sounds familiar with the Democrats and Republicans of today. In 1786, Napoleon Bonaparte is said to send his first wife Josephine de Bonaparte cashmere scarves from India during his travels.
The pricey prestigious iconic graphic silk Hermès scarf is born in 1837 by the French ready-to-wear retailer. The all too familiar and must-have Burberry plaid scarf was introduced in 1856. In 1930, before PETA, fur scarves were at the height of fashion in France.
Advancing to the 60’s when there was cultural turmoil with the civil rights movement. I remember fashion speaking a language of it’ s own when everything was mod, psychedelic or groovy. Pop artist, Peter Max featured graphic designs in bold prints and intense bursts of colors, during this time italian fashion designer, Emilio Pucci became known for his stretch wrinkle-free silk dresses that were bold in color and prints. Scarves serve more just function but seem to become the ultimate fashion accessory. Scarves added the right amount of sophistication to any outfit.
Once the chill is in the air, it’s a perfect time to accessorize with scarves. One can chase the chill away using a scarf as a head wrap/scarf, to layer up, or be a neck warmer, if large enough, a wrap while making a fashion statement. The infinity scarf (as featured scarf on left in photo below) is all the rage right now and my fave, I like to think of scarves as one of my trademark fashion statements. I have a drawer full of different shapes, colors, patterns and sizes of scarves.
As you can see scarves can easily add a pop of color in lively and vibrant tones. Jackie O, the ultimate style icon brought an air of elegance to a simple triangle head scarf. How you tie a scarf can add interest to wearing one. Here are “40 Ways to Tie a Scarf!”
Have fun tying, twisting, knotting or wrapping your scarves this fall, winter and spring!